Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 101: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which the EU is establishing and improving contacts with the Ukraine, Russia and other former USSR countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17064/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

In recent years and particularly since the 2004 enlargement, the EU has placed increased emphasis on building up relations with Russia and other eastern neighbours.

The EU-Russia Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA), which came into force in December 1997 for an initial ten year period, has been "rolled over" pending a new agreement, negotiations on which are expected to begin shortly. The EU has a wide-ranging relationship with Russia. Trade is now five times its 2000 level, investment in both directions is growing rapidly, and Russia and the EU are mutually dependent in the energy sector. There have been some worrying trends in Russian domestic policies in recent years as well as a more challenging Russian approach in foreign policy. The agreement, in May 2005, on Roadmaps for the four 'Common Spaces' (Common Economic Space; Common Space on Freedom, Security and Justice; Common Space on External Security; Common Space on Research and Education) encompassed all aspects of the relationship. Notable recent achievements include increased cooperation in the fight against terrorism, biannual human rights consultations, and agreements with Schengen countries on visa facilitation and readmission.

Since 2003, relations with Ukraine, Georgia, Moldova, Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan are being developed in the framework of the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP). The European Neighbourhood Policy is intended to support greater economic development, stability and better governance in the EU's neighbourhood. Ukraine, Moldova, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia have individual ENP Action Plans. Moldova and Ukraine have visa facilitation and readmission agreements with Schengen countries. Since December 2006 the policy has encompassed enhanced regional cooperation, expanded financial resources and other forms of cooperation. The EU is negotiating an 'enhanced' agreement with Ukraine, which will include a deep Free Trade Agreement. The European Neighbourhood Policy remains entirely distinct from the issue of EU membership.

Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan are covered by the first EU strategy for Central Asia, adopted in June 2007. The strategy is intended to intensify the EU's cooperation with Central Asian countries on an individual and regional basis. EU priorities papers have been drawn up in consultation with each of the five countries. Regional EU initiatives on education, rule of law and water management are being put into effect. A report on progress in implementing the strategy will be given to the June European Council.